Module for building platforms

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a module for building platforms, stages, or flooring, which is particularly suitable for use outside. The module comprises a ladder-type frame, supporting devices, connecting means and, preferably, covering elements.

The invention relates to a module for constructing platforms, walls,roofs, stages or floors and is particularly suitable for use in the openair.

All kinds of organisations such as cultural, scientific and sportingexhibitions or the presentation of new products often require stable,safe floors or platforms on which the various equipment such as stages,wings, exhibition stands, podiums or seating can be set up. Frequently,such events take place in the open air and their duration is oftenrestricted to a few hours or days. The erecting of a substructure withconventional means such as grid frames or elements known fromscaffolding is highly labour-intensive. When the surface being built onis very uneven, the proportion of expenditure allocated to thesubstructure may be up to 60%. In particular, the levelling of theflooring being laid is problematic and is a time-consuming and costlyfactor.

A reusable stage segment which is used to construct level stage surfacesis known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,564. For this, stage segments arrangedside by side are joined together. The stage segment described has abaseelement made up of a plurality of longitudinal and transversebearers and having a decking surface. Moreover, connecting means areprovided for connecting the stage segments and support means forlow-friction abutment of the stage segments.

From the specification G 91 02 477.3 U1, a platform segment is knownwhich comprises a frame having a grid pattern supporting a deckinglayer. In addition, vertically adjustable feet and assembly elementswhich can be folded into the frame for connecting platform segmentslocated side by side in the grid are provided. The platform segment isused for constructing raised platforms, in which only platform segmentsarranged side by side can be joined together.

A disadvantage of these apparatus described in the prior art is thatthey can only be used to assemble level stages and moreover theirstability and the stability of the arrangement as a whole is onlyguaranteed by the decking layers supported by the frame.

By contrast the module according to the invention for constructingplatforms, stages, walls or floors comprises a ladder-type frame whichis made up of a plurality of longitudinal and transverse bearers as theload-bearing structure. The module according to the invention hasassociated support means. In addition, connecting means are providedwhich are disposed at attachment points on the ladder-type frame and aredesigned for interlocking and frictional engagement of modules with oneanother, the geometry of the attachment points being such that it ispossible for modules to dock with one another in all spatial directions.

The platform module according to the invention thus comprises aladder-type frame, support means and connecting means. The ladder-typeframe is made up of a plurality of longitudinal and transverse bearerswhich are preferably arranged perpendicular to one another. Theladder-type frame constitutes the load-bearing structure of the module.Covering elements may be mounted on the top of it to form the surface ofthe module. A construction of this kind results in high stability andload-bearing capacity while at the same time having a low inherentweight.

On the ladder-type frame, connecting means are provided which allow fastand secure connection and disconnection of platform modules arrangedside by side. The connecting means may be provided at the ends and thepoints of intersection of the longitudinal and transverse bearers. Theyare preferably constructed in the manner of coupling and plug means butmay also be constructed as screw-type and rotary closures. The plug-typeconnecting means extend substantially in the longitudinal direction ofthe bearers. As a result the plug-type connecting means may easily bearranged to be moveable along the carrier in the longitudinal directionand capable of being pushed in and pulled out. This makes it possiblefor the plug-type means to be pulled or pushed out of the module orcarrier only when necessary, i.e. for connecting to another module.Consequently, any plug-type connecting means which are not in use do notprotrude from the carrier or platform module. The connecting means arethus on the one hand protected from damage, e.g. during transportationor during assembly, and in addition the risk of injury caused byprotruding edges is prevented.

Moreover, a construction with extendable connecting means is alsoadvantageous with regard to connecting a number of modules to oneanother. This prevents the connecting means from defining a preferentialdirection for the moving together or alignment of the modules with oneanother, e.g. in the form of a horizontal or vertical movementdetermined by engagement hooks and eyes. The alignment of the moduleswith one another is thus not prevented by the connecting means and isconsequently made much easier. The modules may first be aligned with oneanother and then the position of the modules relative to one another maybe secured by extending the plug-type connecting means into thecoupling-type connecting means.

The connecting means may be provided in the form of screw-type androtary closures. These are preferably arranged on the tops and bottomsof the module. Preferably 4 attachment points are provided every 9 m5 ofarea. Using these attachment points other modules may be attached aswalls, supports and applications of all kinds. The geometry of theattachment points may be selected so that modules can be docked with oneanother in every spatial direction and in any position. Thus, all sixsides of the module are available as a docking surface.

The module element is associated, preferably at the points ofintersection of the ladder-type frame, with support means by which theplatform module rests on the ground or substructure. The support meansare preferably individually adjustable in height so that the platformmodule can be aligned in the horizontal direction without any additionalmeans and substantially independently of the nature of the groundunderneath. The support means may be constructed so that they can beretracted into the module. This enables platform modules to be stackedin a space-saving manner for transporting or storage. The support meansare preferably provided at the points of intersection of thelongitudinal and transverse bearers as these regions are characterisedby their high load-bearing capacity and the module or platform is thusable to bear high loads per unit area.

Preferably, side walls are provided. These are formed by panels or sideelements arranged on the end faces of the longitudinal and transversebearers and comprising openings for the connecting means. The side facesare constructed so that longitudinal edges along the upper surface ofthe module form a groove or chamfer with the side face. When two modulesare joined together a channel is thus formed in the upper region ofadjacent side walls. As a result, a channel system in which supply linescan be laid is created on the surface of the assembled platform alongthe edges of the modules. The cable channels can quickly and easily besealed off by means of suitable covers after the lines have been laid,thus maintaining a flat platform surface.

Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparentfrom the specification and the accompanying drawings.

It will be appreciated that the features mentioned above and those to bedescribed hereinafter may be used not only in the particular combinationspecified but in other combinations or on their own without departingfrom the scope of the present invention.

The invention is illustrated in the drawings and explained more fullyhereinafter with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a platform module according to theinvention,

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of four platform modules joined together,

FIG. 2 a shows a sectional view of FIG. 2 on the line Y-Y,

FIG. 3 shows a number of surface elements in plan view and sideelevation,

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of part of the module in the region of aconnecting means,

FIG. 5 shows three views of a connecting bolt,

FIG. 6 shows three views of a locking wedge,

FIG. 7 shows a side view on the line X-X in FIG. 4,

FIG. 8 shows a diagrammatic view of connecting means at the plug end andcoupling end which are in effective engagement and

FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of a support device for the platformmodule according to the invention,

FIG. 10 shows a container constructed using the module according to theinvention, in perspective view,

FIG. 11 shows another use of the module according to the invention inperspective view,

FIG. 12 shows a complex application of the module according to theinvention in perspective view,

FIG. 13 shows four module elements according to the invention with asupport device.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a platform module 1 according to the inventionwhich comprises a ladder-type frame 2, surfaces or covering elements 5,side elements 6, connecting means 7 and support means 8.

The ladder-type frame 2 forms the load-bearing base construction of theplatform module 1. This is made of steel girder or bearers of squarehollow cross-section, for example. In the embodiment shown by way ofexample, four transverse bearers 21 are welded to two longitudinalbearers 22. Longitudinal bearers 22 and transverse bearers 21 arealigned perpendicular to one another and arranged in a plane in such away that the points of intersection 9 of the transverse bearers 21 andlongitudinal bearers 22 are at a uniform spacing from the correspondingends 23, 24 of the transverse bearer 21, 22. Support means 8 areprovided at the points of intersection 9 of the longitudinal bearers 22and transverse bearers 21. Connecting means 7 are provided at both endsof the transverse bearers 21 and longitudinal bearers.

The arrangement of the longitudinal and transverse bearers 22, 21 formsa grid pattern for the support means 8 and connecting means 7. The gridpattern is selected so that the spacing along the transverse bearers 21,i.e. along the transverse side 11 of the platform module, is repeated inthe grid spacing along the longitudinal bearer 22, i.e. along thelongitudinal sides 12 of the platform module 1. This ensures that theplatform modules 1 can be joined together not only along theirlongitudinal sides 11 or transverse sides 12 but also across thelongitudinal side 11 and transverse side 12. The shape and size of aplatform constructed from modules 1 can thus be made more variable.

The points of intersection 9 of the transverse bearers 21 andlongitudinal bearers 22 may be provided as fixing points for the supportmeans 8. For this reason the longitudinal bearers 22 and transversebearers 21 have openings at the point of intersection 9, on the top andbottom, preferably in the form of through-bores. The support means 8 aresecured in the bottom opening while the top opening serves as an accessopening for the support means.

The connecting means 7 are provided in the region of the ends 23, 24 ofthe transverse bearers 21 and longitudinal bearers 22. The connectingmeans 7 are constructed as a plug and coupling connection and compriseconnecting means 71 at the plug end and connecting means 72 at thecoupling end. The coupling means 71 at the plug end are provided so asto be moveable into and out of the steel bearers 21, 22. The connectingmeans 71 at the plug end are thus protected from damage in theirretracted position, e.g. during transportation. The connecting means 7are mounted in the open ends 23, 24 of the steel bearers.

In the embodiment described by way of example, connecting means 71 atthe plug end and connecting means 72 at the coupling end are providedalong a longitudinal side 11 and transverse side 12 of the platformmodule. However, it is also possible for coupling-side and plug-sideconnecting means 71, 72 to be arranged alternately.

Surface element 5 which form the surface of the platform module 1 arefixed to the top of the ladder-type frame 2. Side elements 6 are mountedon the end faces of the transverse bearers 21 and longitudinal bearers22 and form longitudinal side walls 62 and transverse side walls 61. Themodule 1 thus has four flat side faces and one flat upper surface, whichterminate substantially smoothly with their surroundings.

In the side elements 6 there are openings 63 through which theconnecting means 7 can co-operate with connecting means of adjacentplatform modules. In order to construct a platform the platform modules1 are aligned with their longitudinal or transverse sides adjacent oneanother and are firmly joined together by means of the connecting means7. By a suitable arrangement of a number of platform modules 1, platformareas can be produced on virtually any scale.

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a platform by way of example made up of fourplatform modules 1 joined together. Associated transverse bearers 21 andlongitudinal bearers 22 of adjacent platform modules 1 are firmly joinedtogether by means of the connecting means 7, thus forming an extendedladder-type frame of the same size as the platform which is to beconstructed.

FIG. 2 a shows a longitudinal section through the platform along thesection line Y-Y. The platform stands on support means 8 of the platformmodules 1 in question. In the embodiment shown, each module 1 has eightsuch support means 8. The load per unit area is transferred to theground underneath through the support means 8. The support means 8 areconstructed to be adjustable in height. As a result, any unevenness ofthe ground can easily be balanced out by suitably adjusting the width ofthe support. The platform or the individual modules 1 can thus easily belevelled in height during construction without the need for additionalmeans. Depending on the required load per unit area, it may not benecessary to use all eight support means 8 of a module 1 to support theplatform, resulting in faster erection and dismantling.

FIG. 3 shows four individual surface elements 5 of different widths inplan view and side view. A plurality of these elements of suitable widthare secured to the ladder-type frame 2 side by side by means of screw orweld joints and then form the surface of the module. Perforatedstainless steel caissons are provided as the surface elements 5. Thestainless steel caissons 5 have a substantially U-shaped cross-section.The perforation of the caissons 5 on the one hand allows theorganisation's equipment to be fixed in this grid of perforations, onthe one hand, thus permitting a very flexible configuration ofattachments to the platform surface. On the other hand it ensures thatno pools of liquid, e.g. rainwater, can collect on the platform surface.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 the surface elements 5 are of such dimensionsthat the surface formed is smaller than the outer dimensions of theladder-type frame and is at least partly enclosed by the longitudinaland transverse side walls 61 and 62 of the module 1. FIG. 7 shows thisin detail. The longitudinal and transverse side walls 61 and 62 have ashoulder 64 level with the surface elements 5. When two platform modules1 are joined together a channel 65 is formed in the platform surfacebetween the modules by the abutting shoulders 64. This channel issuitable for laying cables or other supply lines. The channel can beclosed off by means of a suitable covering element 66, e.g. a U-shapedprofile, so as to form a flat platform surface.

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a detail in the region of the connectingdevice 7, namely the plug-side connecting means 71, which is disposed ina longitudinal bearer 4, and the coupling-side connecting means 72 whichis disposed in a transverse bearer 3. The plug-side connecting means 71comprises a connecting bolt 711 arranged so as to be moveable within thelongitudinal bearer 4 and cooperating with a locking wedge 721 of thecoupling-side connecting means. FIG. 4 shows the connecting bolt 711 inthe extended position and operatively connected to the locking wedge721.

In the interests of clarity and to make it easier to understand, theconnecting bolt 711 in FIG. 5 and the locking wedge 721 in FIG. 6 areeach shown in three views.

The connecting bolt 711 shown in FIG. 5 has a cylindrically shaped end712 at the fixing end. In the direction of the plug-side end 713 theconnecting bolt 711 is conically tapered. A central region 714 betweenthe plug side end 713 and the fixing-side end 712 is formed in themanner of a panel by two recesses, This region 714 has vertical cheeksurfaces 716 in the direction of the end 712 on the fixing side andinclined cheek surfaces 717 in the direction of the end 713 on the plugside.

The locking wedge 721 shown in FIG. 6 is shaped so as to be able toengage by interlocking in the recesses in the central region 714 of theconnecting bolt. For this purpose the locking wedge 721 is made into afork shape by means of a slot 723. The slot 723 extends into athrough-bore 722 which is larger in diameter than the width of the slot.The width of the slot 723 corresponds to the width of the disk-shapedcentral region 714 of the connecting bolt 711. The bore 722 is of suchdimensions that the end 713 on the plug side of the connecting bolt 711can pass through it. Unlike the connecting bolt 711 the locking wedge721 is moveably disposed in the steel bearer 21, 22 perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis and hence also perpendicular to the longitudinal axisof the direction of connection of the connecting means 71, 72 at theplug and coupling ends. Bores 724 and 725 in the top and bottom of thelocking wedge act as guides for this movement.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, a locking process will now be explained.FIG. 7 shows a sectional view along the line X-X in FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is adiagrammatic representation of the connecting means 71, 72 at the plugand coupling ends in operative engagement. The end 712 of the connectingbolt 711 at the fixing end is connected to a slide 718. The slide ismounted to be moveable along a guide rail 719. The slide 718 can bemoved with the connecting bolt 711 along the guide rail 719 by means ofa pivotably mounted lever 720, the lever 720 being arranged completelybelow the surface formed by the fixing elements 5. An actuating element73 can be brought into engagement with the lever 720 through recesses inthe surface element 5 and the connecting bolt 711 can be moved in andout by pivoting the actuating element 73, FIG. 7 shows the two endpositions of the lever 720 and actuating element 73 with the connectingbolt 711 pushed in and pulled out.

The locking wedge 721 is guided through the bores 724 along two bolts726 and thus moved perpendicularly to the direction of connection. Inorder to control the movement a screw 727 is provided which extendsthrough the threaded bore 725. In order to join two platform modulestogether they are first of all aligned flush with one another, theconnecting bolt being in the retracted position and the locking wedge721 being in a lower position.

In this position, with the platform modules 1 aligned flush, theopenings 63 in the longitudinal or transverse side walls 61, 62, thethrough-bore 722 of the locking wedge 721 and the plug-side end 713 ofthe connecting bolt 711 are aligned with one another. If the connectingbolt 711 is now pulled out, the plug-side end 713 passes through theopenings 10 in the longitudinal or transverse side walls 61, 62 andthrough the through-bore 722 in the locking wedge 721 until the centralpart 714 of the connecting bolt 711 is located in the region of thethrough-bore 722.

By turning the screw 727 the locking wedge 721 is moved along so thatthe slot 723 of the locking wedge 721 is guided along the disk-shapedlower part 714. The inclined cheek surface 717 of the connecting bolt711 and the wedge shape of the locking wedge 721 cause the connectingmeans 71 and 72 on the coupling side and plug side, respectively, to bebraced in interlocking engagement and frictionally as the locking wedge721 is moved along and in this way the platform modules 1 are joinedtogether.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a support device 8 of the platform module1 according to the invention. The supporting device 7 is constructed asa spindle construction which is adjustable in height. A threaded bushing82 is mounted in the lower opening 24 in a steel bearer 21, 22 in such away as to extend substantially inside the steel bearer. The threadedbushing 82 and steel bearer 21, 22 are firmly joined together bywelding.

A spindle 81 is guided within the threaded bushing 82. The length of thespindle 81 is such that it can be retracted fully into the platformmodule 1. Vertical adjustment of the spindle 81 is carried out from thetop of the platform module 1. For this purpose, openings 23 are providedin the top of the steel bearer 21, 22 and surface elements 5, throughwhich an upper end of the spindle 81 is accessible. If necessary, forexample when the ground is very uneven, the spindles 81 can easily bereplaced by spindles with a longer adjustment length.

In use, i.e. once the platform is erected, the supporting load of thespindle 81 is distributed to the ground underneath through a loaddistribution plate 84. The load distribution plate 84 is secured to theplatform module 1 during transportation by fixing means (not shown).

In the region of the support device, fixing elements 85 are provided onthe steel bearers 21, 22 above the spindles 81. Equipment belonging tothe organisations in question can be securely anchored to these fixingelements 85. The fixing elements 85 may, in one simple embodiment, benuts of suitable dimensions which can be screwed on to the spindle 81.Other methods of attachment may be provided using adaptor plates whichcan be mounted on the fixing elements 85. Any unused fixing elements 85or support spindles 82 are covered by a cover plate 86.

Forces may also be transmitted directly to the spindles 81 through thefixing elements 85. In this way, higher loads can be carried in theregion of the support devices 8 as these loads are not transmitted tothe ladder-type frame 2. This makes it possible to use the modules 1 astiered staging, i.e. platforms with a number of storeys.

On its upper side the fixing element 85 has a depression 86 in which aregion 83 of the threaded bushing 82 projecting from the underside ofthe steel bearer engages when the modules 1 are stacked. This ensuresthat the platform modules 1 can be stacked in a safe and stable manner.

FIG. 10 shows a container 100 constructed using the modules 1 accordingto the invention. It will be apparent that the modules are aligned withtheir longitudinal and transverse sides adjacent to one another and arefixed together by means of the connecting means 7. The modules 1 areconstructed so that the surface elements 5 comprise attachment points51, at the points of intersection 9 and end points of the ladder-typeframe 2, at which the connecting means 7 are provided. Accordingly, theside elements 6 of the modules 1 have openings 63 through which theconnecting members 7 can project, The attachment points 51 are designedso that the modules can be coupled to one another in every spatialdirection. At the same time the attachment points 51 also allow theassembled components to be adjusted. Moreover, the attachment points 51may also be used for securing the modules 1 for transportation.

The figures also show supplementary elements, namely glass walls 110.Supplementary elements assist the modules 1 according to the inventionin their task of erecting three dimensional structures which can bebuilt to the desired size in every spatial direction. The modules areconstructed so that their substructure has a sufficient load-bearingcapacity to bear the loads in every spatial direction. The functionalsuitability of the modules 1 is provided by their adequate rigidity inevery spatial direction. The modules 1 are designed so that in spite ofbeing light enough to enable them to be assembled quickly and cheaply,their intrinsic weight provides a sufficient guarantee against theirbeing lifted by the force of the wind in the open air. In the case ofmodules 1 which are intended as a flooring surface, bags of water may beplaced in the cavities of the ladder-type frame 2 to increase the weightand thus provide additional safety.

FIG. 11 shows another possible use of the module according to theinvention. The construction shown comprises eight modules 1 and twosupport beams 120 as supplementary elements which provide additionalsupport for the two modules 1 used as roofing.

FIG. 12 shows a complex use of the module 1 according to the invention.In the modules 1 which form the base surface the attachment points 51are clearly shown, which enable the modules 1 to be joined together inevery spatial direction. The openings 63 are provided accordingly asattachment points in the side faces 6.

The three-storey structure shown in the figure comprises a plurality ofsupplementary elements. Thus, a plurality of support beams 120 are shownwhich make it possible to build several storeys in this embodiment. Inaddition, two ramps 124 are provided, which could also be made up ofmodules 1 according to the invention. The ramps 124 make it possible tomove from one storey to the next. Handrails 126 are provided on theramps 124 for safety reasons.

FIG. 13 shows details of four module elements 1 with an associatedsupport device 8 in plan view. The support device 8 is arranged in theregion of the point 130 where the four module elements 1 meet. Thesupport device acts on the covering elements 5 of the module elements 1.

As the figures show, the platform modules 1 may be put together ashorizontal and also vertical surfaces. The modules are particularlysuitable for use in the open air or in exhibition halls so as to providea platform or a stable floor with means of attachment forsuperstructures.

Individual modules may also be specially adapted for specific tasks andfitted with suitable equipment. For example, modules may be providedwhich are designed for the attachment of audio, video or other equipment(lighting units and the like) and which comprise suitable connectingelements or even the equipment itself. In order to construct platformsof all kinds, the modules may also have different shapes such as swungside edges and the like.

With the platform module according to the invention it is possible toerect and dismantle flooring or substructures of any desired size withina short time with minimal technical expertise. The platform modulepermits flexible construction of the flooring or presentation area whichis to be erected, while ensuring a high load-bearing capacity and easyand effective levelling of the platform surface.

1. A module assembly for constructing platforms, stages, walls or flooring, comprising a) at least first and second modules, each of said at least first and second modules comprising a frame having a plurality of longitudinal and transverse bearers, each of said bearers having respective end portions, said longitudinal and transverse bearers are connected at points of intersection and said end portions extend beyond said points of intersection; b) support devices to support said at least first and second modules above the ground, said support devices are retractable into respective said at least first and second modules; c) each of said at least first and second modules including plug and coupling connectors, each of said plug connectors comprising a plug bolt member and each of said coupling connectors comprising a coupling wedge member wherein said plug bolt member in one of said at least first and second modules is adapted to be received in said coupling wedge member of the other of said at least first and second modules to interlock said at least first and second modules and form a module assembly; and d) each of said end portions including said plug bolt member or said wedge member, said plug bolt member is movable into and out of said end portions whereby, said each of said plug bolt and the said wedge member are coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis of each of said end portions of each respective longitudinal and transverse bearers.
 2. The module assembly according to claim 1, wherein the frame is provided with side faces.
 3. The module assembly according to claim 2, wherein openings are provided in the side faces for the connectors.
 4. The module assembly according to claim 1, wherein covering elements forming a module surface are provided on an upper surface of the module.
 5. The module assembly according to claim 4, wherein the covering elements are constructed as perforated caissons of U-shaped cross section.
 6. The module assembly according to claim 4 and wherein each of said at least first and second modules is provided with side walls having shoulder portions so that when said at least first modules is caused to be interlocked to said at least second module, a channel is formed by said respective shoulder portions abutting against each other and further comprising a channel covering element having a U-shaped profile for covering said channel formed by said respective shoulder portions.
 7. The module assembly according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal and transverse bearers are aligned perpendicular to one another.
 8. The module assembly according to claim 1, wherein the support devices are individually adjustable in height.
 9. The module assembly according to claim 1, wherein the support devices are arranged on the frame.
 10. The module assembly according to claim 9, wherein the support devices are mounted at points of intersection of the longitudinal and transverse bearers.
 11. The module assembly according to claim 1, wherein the coupling connectors are constructed as a locking wedge and the plug connectors are constructed as movably mounted connecting bolts.
 12. The module assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connectors are arranged substantially in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal and transverse bearers.
 13. The module assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connectors are provided at points of intersection of the longitudinal and transverse bearers.
 14. The module assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connectors are provided at the ends of the longitudinal and transverse bearers.
 15. The module assembly according to claim 1, and further comprising a number of the modules joined together to form a platform having means for attachment of superstructures. 